The shift away from single-use packaging is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a business necessity. As sustainability regulations tighten and consumer preferences evolve, packaging reuse models are emerging as critical solutions for circularity. This article explores the four dominant reuse models and the global policy landscape shaping their adoption.
Key Packaging Reuse Models
1. Refill at Home:
Enables consumers to refill products, like cleaning solutions or beverages, using concentrates or bulk containers, minimizing packaging waste. Example MIWA (Czech Republic)
2. Refill on the Go:
Consumers refill containers at in-store dispensers or dedicated refill stations, a solution gaining traction in food, beverage, and personal care sectors. Example: Unilever’s Refill Stations
3. Return from Home:
Packaging is picked up directly from consumers’ homes, often integrated with e-commerce deliveries for maximum convenience. Example: Loop by TerraCycle
4. Return on the Go:
Consumers return reusable packaging to stores or collection points. Coca-Cola’s Refillable Glass Bottles
While these models offer clear environmental benefits, they are becoming a business necessity due to regulatory pressure. Regulations worldwide are pushing the packaging industry towards reuse to reduce waste and environmental impact
- European Union: The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mandates ambitious reuse targets, aiming for a 50% reduction in single-use packaging by 2030.
- United Nations: The Plastics Treaty emphasizes reuse as a critical strategy for reducing plastic pollution.
- India’s EPR Framework: EPR rules under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Act mandate businesses to adopt reusable packaging. The Packaging Reuse target starts at 10% or 70% depending on the volume of packaging.
The shift to reusable packaging requires collaboration across the value chain. Businesses must evaluate which reuse model aligns best with their products and operational structure while ensuring compliance with local and global regulations. By adopting these models, companies can lead the charge toward a sustainable future while staying ahead in a rapidly changing policy landscape.
Stay tuned for the next article in the #prk series, where we’ll dive into actionable strategies for navigating packaging regulations and staying compliant in a dynamic policy landscape.
PS: This is the first article under Packaging Reuse Knowledge #PRK Series. These articles are based on World Economic Forum, India Plastics Pact, European Reuse Alliance and Ellen MacArthur Foundation Reports